Cruise Logs

1st March - Clyde Island Explorer

Join the excitement and thrill of the first cruise of the season as Hebridean Princess takes us to some of the finest houses on the Clyde as well as Britain's smallest cathedral and a mountainside botanic garden.

1st March 2017

For the first time in 2017 guests arrived at the Ocean Terminal in Greenock for embarkation to be welcomed on board by Captain Heaton and the ship's officers and crew.

When all guests had been shown to their cabins and the lifeboat drill had taken place the ship departed from Greenock and set sail for the overnight anchorage in Rothesay Bay.

2nd March 2017

Going ashore at the Isle of Bute we headed to Mount Stuart House which stands testament to generations of Stuart passion and flamboyance. After an awe-inspring tour of this wondrous Gothic mansion we saw signs of spring in the gardens.

We also made a short visit to the Victorian public conveniences in Rothesay, the most impressive surviving late Victorian public convenience in Scotland, if not Britain. Commissioned by Rothesay Harbour Trust in 1899 during Rothesay's hey-day as a holiday resort, the interior is magnificient with walls entirely clad in decorative ceramic tiles, ornately patterned in rows. The floors are designed with ceramic mosaic, with the crest of the Royal Burgh of Rothesay at the entrance.

During lunch we cruised to Largs where guests took the afternoon ferry to Great Cumbrae for a visit to Britain's smallest cathedral, Cathedral of the Isles.

We anchored off Great Cumbrae overnight.

3rd March 2017

From Largs this morning guests enjoyed a wonderful tour of Ardgowan House conducted by the son of the house, Sir Ludovic Shaw-Stewart son of the current owner The Hon Lucinda Chetwode.

Sir Ludovic with Chief Purser Zoe.

During lunch we cruised to Little Cumbrae for an afternoon of walks on the island.

We anchored overnight off Holy Isle.

4th March 2017

This morning was spent exploring Holy Isle on foot. Situated in Lamlash Bay, this tiny staellite island of Arran has a long history as a sacred site and is now home to a Buddhist retreat.

During the afternoon we toured the Isle of Arran from Brodick.

We anchored off Rothesay Seven overnight.

5th March 2017

This morning we cruised to Holy Loch Marina and went ashore for a visit to Benmore Botanic Garden with its magnificent mountainside setting.

The afternoon was spent relaxing on board as we cruised the Upper Clyde under fabulous blue skies and learnt of how this mighty river was once so significant for industry and trade.

The first Farewell Gala Dinner of the year was held at anchor off Greenock.